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Abstract：
Background: Research indicates refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly females, have a higher incidence of mental health problems compared to the global norm for conflict-affected populations.Objective: This study aimed to unpack gender differences in the mental health of Congolese refugees by examining specific risk (trauma exposure, adaptation challenges, and discrimination) and protective factors (marital status, literacy, and social resources) in relation to posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depression. Method: Utilizing systematic random sampling, we surveyed 667 adult refugees (370 females, 297 males) in the Kyaka II refugee settlement in Western Uganda. A multi-group path analysis was conducted, initially allowing for variance between genders and subsequently comparing a constrained model, where paths were set equal across groups.Results: The unconstrained model presented an excellent fit to the data. When paths were set to be equal across groups, the decline in model fit, confirmed by a chi-square difference test, indicated differences in the model for males and females. A series of Z-tests were used to compare individual paths. Experiencing discrimination was a stronger risk factor for depression among men, whereas a history of rape was more strongly associated with depression for females. Being literate and a member of a social group in the settlement were stronger protective factors for depression among men, whereas living with a partner and a felt sense of connection to their community was more important for women. Associations between risk and protective factors and PTSS were more similar across groups, only membership in a group was significantly moderated by gender; with group membership being more impactful for males.Conclusion: The results highlight similarities and differences in predictors of distress for male and female Congolese refugees and point to potential avenues for tailoring programming to be gender sensitive.
This research identified key differences in how specific traumatic experiences and social factors correlate with psychological distress for male and female Congolese refugees, underscoring the need for tailored support strategies.The study reveals that while discrimination is a stronger predictor of depression in men, experiences of rape are more closely linked to depression in women. Conversely, social factors like literacy and group membership offer more protection to men, whereas relationship status and community connection are more protective for women.The findings shed light on the importance of gender-sensitive mental health and psychosocial support interventions.
This research identified key differences in how specific traumatic experiences and social factors correlate with psychological distress for male and female Congolese refugees, underscoring the need for tailored support strategies.The study reveals that while discrimination is a stronger predictor of depression in men, experiences of rape are more closely linked to depression in women. Conversely, social factors like literacy and group membership offer more protection to men, whereas relationship status and community connection are more protective for women.The findings shed light on the importance of gender-sensitive mental health and psychosocial support interventions.
摘要：
背景：研究表明，来自刚果民主共和国（DRC）的难民，尤其是女性，与受冲突影响人群的全球标准相比，心理健康问题的发生率更高。目的：本研究旨在通过检查特定风险（创伤暴露，适应挑战，和歧视)和保护因素(婚姻状况，识字，和社会资源）与创伤后应激症状（PTSS）和抑郁症有关。方法：采用系统随机抽样，我们调查了667名成年难民(370名女性,297名男性）在乌干达西部的KyakaII难民定居点。进行了多组路径分析，最初允许性别之间的差异，随后比较约束模型，其中路径设置为各组相等。结果：无约束模型对数据有很好的拟合效果。当路径设置为各组相等时，模型拟合度的下降，通过卡方差分检验证实，表明男性和女性模型的差异。使用一系列Z测试来比较各个路径。经历歧视是男性抑郁的更大风险因素，而强奸史与女性抑郁症的相关性更强。识字和定居点中的社会群体成员是男性抑郁的更强保护因素，而与伴侣生活在一起，感受到与社区的联系对女性来说更为重要。风险和保护因素与PTSS之间的关联在各组之间更为相似，只有一个群体中的成员显著受性别的影响;群体成员对男性的影响更大.结论：结果突出了刚果男女难民的痛苦预测因素的异同，并指出了调整计划以对性别敏感的潜在途径。
这项研究发现了具体的创伤经历和社会因素如何与刚果男女难民的心理困扰相关的关键差异。强调需要量身定制的支持策略。研究表明，虽然歧视是男性抑郁的更强预测因素，强奸的经历与女性抑郁的关系更为密切。相反，文化和团体成员资格等社会因素为男性提供了更多的保护，而关系地位和社区联系对女性更有保护作用。研究结果揭示了对性别敏感的心理健康和社会心理支持干预的重要性。
这项研究发现了具体的创伤经历和社会因素如何与刚果男女难民的心理困扰相关的关键差异。强调需要量身定制的支持策略。研究表明，虽然歧视是男性抑郁的更强预测因素，强奸的经历与女性抑郁的关系更为密切。相反，文化和团体成员资格等社会因素为男性提供了更多的保护，而关系地位和社区联系对女性更有保护作用。研究结果揭示了对性别敏感的心理健康和社会心理支持干预的重要性。
